Got my ears and septum pierced here. Johnny was absolutely amazing. They took very good care of me. They were very professional but also very warm. Would absolutely recommend! If I get pierced again it will definitely be here! read more

My helix hoop was not fitting in my ear properly while traveling so I found this great shop nearby to purchase a new hoop. They have been in business for over 20 years and all their artists are professionally licensed. You can make an appointment or walk in. I was a walk in and I was helped by Marisa and Nicolette. They were both friendly and helpful. The vibe of the business was very relaxed. I picked out my new hoop, had it placed in my ear and was out the door in about thirty minutes. Total cost was $80 as I selected a gold hoop for my ear. I was pleased with my purchase and service and would return here for future piercings. read more

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Jon McLeary is a fantastic artist! What I loved most about him is he's friendly, relatable, down to earth, and light-handed. Highly recommend! The shop is clean & the front desk service person was very attentive even when super busy. While I was there I had a new seamless rose gold nose ring installed. Over all I was in & out quickly with ease & grace Thank you read more

Traditional Tattoo - After - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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I've done to Traditional for piercings but most recently I got a tattoo from Louie. My bestie and I were walk-ins because the artist we had an apt with (different shop) bailed on us without notice. We walked into Traditional and Louie was available. He was incredibly nice and patient. He got us in and out in under an hour and the text work looks great. Would highly recommend - also, Matt is an amazing piercer who was also patient and kind ! Thanks for all you do! read more

Traditional Tattoo - Clean and neat text by Louie - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

I've gotten 5 piercings at Traditional Tattoo by Matt Southwood over the course of 4 years (2nd & 3rd lobes, and a helix), and each time he has done an excellent job. He does a great job walking you through the sterilization process and the piercing, and always makes sure you're 100% satisfied with the placement before moving forward. I've had no issues with the healing process per his instructions (saline solution daily & no twisting). Each time I did a walk-in and got my piercings done within 30 min. read more

Traditional Tattoo - Triple lobe piercing & helix - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

The workers were very nice and were kind enough to reattach my piercing for free and no wait!

My helix earring broke, went here to get a replacement. They were super helpful over the phone and in person, helped me get exactly what I needed and had the piercer help me put the piece in since the piercing was a little tender from me fiddling with it. The selections were great, and I appreciate that they use flat backs for their pieces. Can't speak for the piercing service itself, but someone else getting a piercing at the same time seemed to have a great experience with it. read more

Got a recent piercing done by Matt, excellent skill set, pricing, and placement. Barely felt anything! He was friendly and calming and the front desk person who checked me in was also accommodating, friendly, and welcoming! They were efficient to boot. Would definitely recommend and go here again for piercing needs read more

Super disappointed with how my very simple tattoo came out and how much it cost me! $100 for a tiny heart the size of a dime on my hand and it looks terrible! The artist was so heavy handed and blew out the lines, he packed so much ink in that it's raised up and deformed. Keep in mind I have a half sleeve and the middle of my back done by my regular artist at a different shop with thick line work and never had this issue. Along with many other tattoos. I'm so disappointed, especially since this little heart meant so much to me and is on my hand. I should've just waited one more day for my tattoo artists shop to open and have it done properly. But it was a heart I had drawn on by a famous singer and didn't want it to wash off. Considering getting it lasered off and redone. Lesson learned. read more

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They had a deal so it was extremely busy understandable. My sisters and I went in at 1 o'clock and was told it'd be a 45 minutes wait. Left and came back and waited another 45 minutes and then asked and said we were 30 minutes out. I understand if people had an appointments before me, but they were helping groups and clients that had walked after us. We sat there while they took in at least 8-9 people who walked in after us. My sister went up to an older lady with dark hair in glasses I think her name was Michelle , to ask a question she rudely said " who even are you?" excuse me I'm client paying for a service so the least you could do was be respectful. We ended up canceling our appointment because she was rude about it and we didn't care about the wait time because thats understandable. I love coming here, I've gotten most of my piercing's done here and never had an issue this was the first time. read more

Great experience. Have gone back many times. Everyone there was helpful and nice. I would highly recommend this shop.

Went in for a permanent jewelry project with Michelle. It turned out better than I could have imagined! She took her time to find a creative way to attach a sentimental ring to a permanent bracelet and really made sure she had every detail right before she started welding. I love the finished product sooooooo much and the price was more than fair. Thank you!! read more

This is the second time I went. This time, I got two helix. The place is clean. The staff is very friendly. There is a wide range of jewelry to choose from. Matt Southwood makes sure you like the placement of where you want your piercing. He is so patient and takes the time to make sure you like how your piercing turned out. I will continue to go here for my piercing needs. I highly recommend. read more

Traditional Tattoo - Helix piercing minutes after it was done. - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Be aware. I go here for my piercings, and it's a good place to get it done. They're clean with certified piercers, but don't go with Matt for your piercings. He's a creep, he's been inappropriate with myself and several people I know. If you have to with him ladies please bring someone else. read more

I love the little Super Nintendo emulator in the waiting area, what a great way to calm your nerves before a piercing. I am extremely happy with the work I received here and the consideration and care from the team. I let them chose the size of my nostril ring and I am very happy with it. It looks beautiful and I will absolutely come back. read more

Traditional Tattoo - Playing street fighter and waiting for the infamous Matt to do my nostril piercing. - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Fantastic shop with friendly, professional staff. Got my first ink with Louie, who was helpful and reassuring. He provided excellent guidance, worked quickly and precisely, and gave important after care instructions. The shop was clean and well ordered, and Shadoe (at the welcome desk) kept me moving along with the paperwork and some great stories. I would highly recommend this shop for any first timers or to someone looking for experienced, talented artists on the Central Coast. Wonderful team, great shop, and excellent work. Thanks! read more

Traditional Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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Definitely going back to Traditional Tattoo when the time arises . Shad Perlich did an amazing job on a tattoo that was dedicated to my mother who recently passed . The detail , shading and artwork was better then I imagined couldn't say enough about how happy I am as a client . read more

Traditional Tattoo - An addition to an existing tattoo I got 20 year ago . - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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Was super nervous to go to a tattoo place to get my ears re-pierced but super glad I did. Matt was awesome and there was no pain at all. Needle was quick and my ear didn't hurt or turn red and burn afterwards like they did when I originally had them pierced at Claire's. I was able to sleep fine that night, didn't hurt a bit when my ears touched the pillow. I don't think I'll ever need to get another piercing but if I did I would definitely go see Matt. read more

Traditional Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

This is my second review because i just got my first tattoo at traditional by jon mcnealy and i cannot recommend this business and specific artist enough best tattoo/piercing place in the area for sure :-) read more

Traditional Tattoo - Tattoo by Jon McNealy - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

I booked a piercing appointment because I'm having a quarter life crisis and I wanted to get my septum pierced on the whim. Had my friend be my moral support that evening. Everything went smoothly. The lobby had cases of jewelry that you can choose and purchase from. A monitor with all the piercings and prices - which is super handy. I've been to shops where they didn't have prices listed and what all they did and you just had to ask every time. I filled out some paperwork, chose the jewelry I wanted and waited for my turn. There were a couple people ahead of me, but I didn't mind. Not like I had anywhere else to be that day. I always get a little nervous for any piercing, I mean, that's normal right? I just have to say that Matt was awesome from the start. Super friendly, super professional, super chill. It made me feel very calm and relaxed. Told me what he was doing every step of the way. Everything was clean and sterile. When it was time to poke a hole through my nose, I thought it was going to be a tad painful. But I didn't even notice it was done and over with. He went over the basic after care, gave me his card and let me know if I have any questions to contact him. He was great! I'm definitely coming back for more! read more

Very disappointing experience. Stephanie did a great job tattooing a piece of my own art on me, but then charged me for an extra hour of tattooing that didn't happen, which is an extra $200. When I realized it, and asked about it, she originally agreed that she had made a mistake, and would send me a refund, but then the next day, Marissa at the front desk totally made up a fabricated story (that changed several times) with completely false facts in it, just to justify the charge and Stephanie went along with it, changing her story and then ultimately telling me to find another artist for the future when I questioned some of the false information that she gave me. It was extremely unprofessional behavior. I inquired in a very kind way and would have happily paid the amount had it actually been what it took. I'm an artist, I want to support other artists!! She had also quoted me originally for an hour less than she charged me, which I totally understand if the work goes over the quoted time, but when you give a quote and then also match that quote in tattoo time, but charge an extra hour, that is really not cool, especially when you are asked about it and you change your story abunch with statements that don't match the actual reality to justify instead of just refunding the mistake and keeping on good terms with a local client who would have supported you and spread your information to friends. I would not recommend this shop! read more

literally had the worst experience. they do not give a f about your appointment times, if you have an appointment it is totally meaningless! i was waiting for almost an hour past my appointment time i just left. these people are money hungry and don't care about their customers, this place just screams poser. i will be personally praying on their downfall. read more

Full disclosure, we didn't end up getting tattoos from Traditional Tattoo, but started the process since a friend & I were going to be doing a birthday trip in the area. We're pretty new to the process & didn't know exactly what to specify when putting in our request (and therefore totally underestimated the work one of our tattoos would require) but Traditional Tattoo was so professional & kind in gathering more information & corresponding with us that a positive review is warranted just for their level of service in that aspect. If you want to go to a shop that will make you feel totally comfortable with all questions & the process in general I would highly recommend them! read more

Went there for a tattoo and got what I wanted and so much more. I had Niko and he did an outstanding job on it. Everyone there were super nice and helpful and very good at what they do. I would recommend anyone and everyone to Niko and the shop. read more

Traditional Tattoo - Snake with flower - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

I've gotten several tattoos by Brennan. He is not only an extremely talented artist but a gem of a person. If you're nervous about being tattooed- he is your guy! He is nonjudgmental, open, and just generally a comforting person. I recommend him every time I get a chance. I really can't talk about him highly enough. 11/10 person, artist, and friend. read more

I walked in without an appointment and was greeted right away and helped by the friendly guy behind the counter. I wanted to change out my tragus earring and get two forward helix piercings, and they sorted me out pretty quickly with pricing and jewelry selection. Matt did my piercings and changed out my earring, and he was awesome. Very kind and helped me choose a more comfortable back for my tragus without me even knowing that was an option. The piercings went quick and easy, and he made me laugh during them, which is always nice when you're getting pierced or a tattoo. I'd definitely go back the next time I'm in SLO. Check them out! You won't be disappointed. The shop was really nice and clean, and the overall vibe was nice. read more

If it's your first time getting a tattoo come here!!! Prior to going I had never gotten a tattoo before in my life, because of my experience there I want so many more. Louie (the artist who did my tattoo) did a fabulous job, he was so funny, trying to lighten the mood and make me feel less nervous. He had amazing vibes and truly cared about the quality he dishes out. I have also been pierced by Matt before at this location, and I've gone in many times to inquire about tattoos, and piercings that I've been looking into getting. The staff here is so nice and understanding. I love it! read more

Traditional Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

I had a very poor experience. The service was horrible. They are extremely overpriced.

I've been a frequent customer of Traditional and I love them more and more every time! I've gotten at least 4 piercings from Matt, 1 tattoo from a Bhava, and another tattoo from Niko! Today I went in and got my right side of my nose pierced after having the left pierced for over 6 years. Matt is so professional and careful with everything he does. I'm never nervous or scared going in on a whim he knows exactly what he's doing which makes piercings quick and painless. I seriously recommend traditional for piercings because Matt fucking rocks! read more

I came in for a "straight line ring" tattoo in celebration of my 2-year wedding anniversary. As soon as I walked in, I got helped right away. No complaints there. Dude was super friendly. However, I did come in about 30 minutes to closing time. That may have played a part on this artwork. I showed the tattoo artist a photo of a ring line that I wanted. Nothing too crazy, just a basic bold straight ring line around my entire wedding ring finger. This was the result of it. I am not too happy. This is definitely not a straight consistent line as you can tell. The line on the inner part of my finger is way thin and the outer part has blotchy spots. At this point, I don't intend on coming back to this shop. I'm not a local, so definitely finding another tattoo shop to fix it up. read more

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I got my belly button pierced with Matt Southwood and he did a phenomenal job!! I love my piercing so so much and the great customer service I received there. They had an amazing selection of gorgeous jewelry for any and every piercing you can think of! He recommend I do a organic sea salt soak for my piercing at least 2x a day mixed with distilled water and that is exactly what I've been doing and my piercing is healing very well!! Thank you again, Matt!! Also check out their YOUTUBE channel or website called Urban body jewelry for more info on aftercare and a wide selection of beautiful body jewelry!! read more

Traditional Tattoo - Naval piercing done by Matt!! So happy :) - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

NOT FOR DAINTY THIN Listen.. if you want a piercing, this is a good place to go. they're nice, relatively inexpensive, and good at piercings. As far as tattoos, I got one my freshman year at cal poly and do not recommend this shop. I asked for a small, dainty horseshoe and it turned out uneven and blurry. If you're a college student wanting a tiny, thin-lined tattoo, I would drive down to LA and go to either Oak & Poppy or Palace Art Tattoo read more

Traditional Tattoo - Horseshoe tattoo - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Septum piercing was quick & easy. Very clean, friendly staff! Great experience. 10/10 would recommend. read more

Traditional Tattoo - Shop - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Nicolette is a fantastic piercer with a beautiful spirit and fast hands made for the job!

My 2 friends and I made a spur of the moment appt last week to each get different types of piercings. Making the appt was easy and they were very accommodating. We got to the shop with was clean, filled with beautiful jewelry with the nicest staff. The owner helped us quickly find what we liked and Matt got right to work shoving holes in us. 3 ladies, 5 piercings in under 30 minutes no pain. Highly recommend. read more

Traditional Tattoo - Ear - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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Just received my 1st tat,done by Stefanie,top notch work, totally professional, I'm feeling happy, thank you !!

Forgot to update my review from almost two years ago but had a good piercing experience that turned into an overall bad piercing experience. Got my second lobes done in May 2021 and ended up having to take both of them out by February 2022 due to them not healing. During that time I even went back to Traditional and paid extra money to get new jewelry but nothing was helping. I later went to a different piercing shop where I was told the wrong type of jewelry was used and was most likely causing me all the pain. Really disappointing and painful experience even though I followed all the proper after care and unfortunately will not be going back. read more

super clean store and friendly staff. our artist was Louie and we had an amazing experience! He was super friendly and was able to take 4 of us in 24 hours notice. we were all trying to find a single imperfection in our tattoos and could NOT find a single one! he made the experience super fun and not so scary. 10/10 recommend Louie and the shop itself! read more

Traditional Tattoo - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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Today I got my first tattoo. The Staff was very courteous and very professional. Very clean work area and provided good work. If i have to get another tattoo i will definitely be back. Overall this was a very good first experience for me. They also do lots of different piercings. read more

Traditional Tattoo - Tattoo booth - Piercing Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Bhava did a great job on my tattoo and he recommended a placement for it. He took the time to ask me what I wanted, where I wanted it to go, and to make any adjustments prior. read more